The quick-draw game that pairs professional comic book artists with stand-up comedians will crown a champion team from a talented field of four teams at the EMERALD CITY COMIC CON on April 9th at 2:00 PM. The top half of the bracket features artist SCOTT KOBLISH (Deadpool) and comedian DYLANCOLE vs. artist JEFF JOHNSON (Bornhome, Wonder Man) and comedian SILAS LINDENSTEIN. The bottom half will see artist CHRISBURNHAM (Nameless, Batman, Incorporated) and comedian SALLY JORDAN squaring off against artist NICK PITARRA (The Manhattan Projects) and comedian EMMETTMONTGOMERY.

The Burnham-Pitarra matchup will not be the first time the two have faced each other in Sketch Fighter as Burnham edged Pitarra out in the finals of the 2014 C2E2 convention. Scott Koblish earned the top seed by virtue of a tournament victory in February, thus forcing the first-round rematch between Burnham and Pitarra.

All art created during the game, as well as one drawing done by each artists prior to the event will be auctioned off at the conclusion of the game, with the proceeds going to the HERO INITIATIVE.

Fremont Brewing and Emerald City Comicon launch the Dark Heron – an exclusive IPA specifically created as the Official Beer of Emerald City Comicon 2016, featuring a female superhero lead – Dark Heron.

Dark Heron, both the name of the beer and the heroine created to represent the beer, is an expressive IPA with experimental, unreleased hops that blend with Mosaic and Chinook hops and lock arms with malted barley and a bit of oats to create the perfect flavor. The beer will be available for tasting at a debut party sponsored by Emerald City Comicon and Fremont Brewing on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (8:30 PM Last Call) at the Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden.

Come dressed to conquer all evil and take part in the Dark Heron Costume Contest for a chance to win tickets to ECCC. There may even be some exciting giveaways! You don’t want to miss this. Cosplay Contest starts at 8:00 PM. Contestants must arrive by 7:15 PM to register. Winners will be announced at 8:15 PM. Winners must be present to receive prize.

In celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s largest and most heroic pop culture festival (as well as Seattle’s official bird and Fremont Brewing’s logo), comic book artist Justin “Moritat” Norman (The Spirit, Elephantmen and DC’s All Star Western) adapted Fremont Brewing’s heron logo and crafted the bold spirit of Dark Heron to embody the modern heroine. Dark Heron will be available on tap at the Show and in bars and restaurants throughout Seattle as well as in 22 oz. bottles in regional grocery stores.

All are welcome! (21+ to drink)

RSVP is required. Please note RSVP does not guarantee entry. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Use this link to RSVP.

For the first time, Image EXPO teams up with ReedPOP for Image EXPO 2016 in Partnership with Emerald City Comicon. Held in Seattle, Washington, Image EXPO will bring Fans a new slate of exciting Creator announcements.

Image EXPO is an all-day event for fans, the retailer community and the press to experience a showcase of exciting Image Comics announcements. Image EXPO 2016 will feature a line-up of some of the hottest names in comics include Jonathan Hickman (EAST OF WEST), Rick Remender (BLACK SCIENCE), Alison Sampson (GENESIS), Joe Harris (SNOWFALL), Leila Del Duca (SHUTTER) and offers a unique experience for fans to have unprecedented access to the writers and artists behind their favorite comic books at exclusive autograph sessions and comic–focused programming. The event is open to all fans, comics retailers, librarians and media.

Image EXPO will be held in downtown Seattle at The Showbox. Admission for Retailers and Media are complimentary on a first come, first serve basis.

Emerald City Comicon has announced NORMAN REEDUS, star of THE WALKING DEAD, will appear at the convention on Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th! Additionally they have announced another round of comic creator guests including Skottie Young (I HATE FAIRYLAND), Taki Soma (BITCH PLANET), Michael Avon Oeming (POWERS), Gail Simone (SECRET SIX), Ed McGuinness (SPIDER-MAN/DEADPOOL), and C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s international talent scout! Limited tickets are still available, get them before they’re gone!

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is the premier comic book & pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest. Join us April 7-10, 2016. For tickets and more information please go to the website: www.emeraldcitycomicon.com

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is the premier comic book & pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest. Join us April 7-10, 2016. For tickets and more information please go to the website: www.emeraldcitycomicon.com

Emerald City ComiCon announces MELISSA BENOIST and CHYLER LEIGH, the stars of SUPERGIRL, will be guests at the convention on Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th!

Melissa Benoist is an American actress and singer, known for her portrayal of “Marley Rose” on Glee and as Nicole from the acclaimed feature film Whiplash. She currently plays the title role on the breakout hit Supergirl.

Chyler Leigh is an actress best known for her role on the Seattle-based medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Previously she appeared as a series regular on television shows including The Practice, Girls Club, That 80’s Show, and Reunion. Chyler made her feature film debut alongside Chris Evans in the 2001 spoof Not Another Teen Movie. She currently stars on Supergirl as Alex Danvers, a DEO agent and adopted sister of Supergirl.

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is the premier comic book & pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest. Join us April 7-10, 2016. For tickets and more information please go to the website: www.emeraldcitycomicon.com

Attendants of Seattle’s renowned Emerald City Comicon are in for surprise announcements, exceptional signings and a weekend full of fun from IDW! Taking place this weekend from March 27th – March 29th at the Washington State Convention Center, come by the IDW booth (#1802) to stock up on your collection, meet your favorite creators, and score a truly outrageous exclusive. Additionally, Top Shelf can be found at booth #1225, where you can meet the creative team behind the hit satire God Is Disappointed in You, Mark Russell and Shannon Wheeler!

Available exclusively at the IDW booth, grab yourself a copy of the book that’s got everyone talking, Jem & The Holograms, with a variant cover by Agnes Garbowska! The cover can be purchased for $5, limit 3 per customer.

The IDW booth will be packed all weekend long with talent from across the industry signing their acclaimed work:

God is Disappointed in You (The Sequel), with Mark Russell & Shannon Wheeler3:00 Room Hall C (TCC 301)
Last year’s standing-room-only hot ticket returns — now with even more Biblical bewilderment! God Is Disappointed in You, published by Top Shelf, is the tongue-in-cheek “condensed” version of the Bible you never knew you needed — hilariously modern, but surprisingly authentic — packed with cartoons by Eisner-award-winner Shannon Wheeler (The New Yorker, Too Much Coffee Man). Join him and author Mark Russell (writer of DC Comics’ upcoming Prez) for an hour of unforgettable irreverence, including Q&A, audience sketches, and the hilarious-yet-accurate “ten-minute Bible.” PLUS: a taste of the Audie-nominated audiobook, read by Dr. Venture himself, James Urbaniak (The Venture Bros), and an exclusive announcement about the upcoming sequel!

Kevin Eastman: A Life With TurtlesSunday, 3:30 – 4:20 Hall F (TCC 304)
Join the legendary co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and he talks about his long career in both comics and Hollywood, and how he brings his beloved Turtles to the world in a variety of media!

IDW Presents: The New Class of Licensed ComicsSunday, 4:00 – 5:00 Room Hall C (TCC 301)Transformers, Adventure Time, Star Trek, Orphan Black, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic… What do these comics all have in common? They’re all licensed comics, and although some may STILL look down on them, they’re also home to some of the best talent telling the best stories around. Come hear about the good (and the sometimes challenging) aspects of working on books like these, from host Editor Sarah Gaydos (Star Trek, Disney, Edward Scissorhands), with special guests Kate Leth (Bravest Warriors, Edward Scissorhands), Corinna Bechko (Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Once Upon a Time), Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Editor Shannon Waters (of BOOM!), Chris Roberson (Aliens, Star Trek), and Gabriel Hardman (Planet of the Apes, Star Wars).

We’ll also have a variety of Dark Horse comics, graphic novels, art books, and collectibles for sale in our booth.

SIGNING SCHEDULE

All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for signings (while supplies last). You may purchase or bring items to be signed; however, we may restrict the type or number of items to be signed as necessary. Please note that some of the titles listed below have not been released for sale yet—in those cases, special prints will be available.

Lines may also be closed for some signings due to crowding or time restrictions.

All events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Please ask the Dark Horse Comics staff if you have questions.

Fight Club 2 artists Cameron Stewart, David Mack, and Dave Stewart will be present for part of the 3:00 p.m. signing, depending on their schedules.

*WRISTBAND REQUIRED: Wristbands will be distributed in the Dark Horse booth at show opening on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28. One wristband per person. Separate wristbands will be assigned for each 50-minute signing and may only be used during that time period. Fight Club 2 #1 is on sale May 27. One free print and one sampler minicomic per wristband will be provided for the signing. No other items allowed. Other restrictions may apply.

Please join us at the panels below, brought to you by Dark Horse Comics and friends! Please visithttp://emeraldcitycomicon.com/programming/ for more panels featuring Dark Horse creators, as well as guidelines for attending panels.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. Hall C Behind the Scenes: Making Comics

Comics professionals come together to discuss their unique contributions to this beloved medium. Topics include creating engaging characters with Gail Simone (Leaving Megalopolis), transitioning from artist to writer/artist with Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), business management with Christine Mignola (Hellboy), going from self-publishing to book deal with Colleen Coover (Bandette),breaking into coloring with Kelly Fitzpatrick (Neverboy), and fostering a fan base with online content with Kel McDonald (Misfits of Avalon). Sure to be a great panel for the budding cartoonist eager to explore the craft of making comics!

Acclaimed novelist Chuck Palahniuk continues one of his most beloved works with Fight Club 2! Join Dark Horse for a discussion of the creation of this story with Chuck Palahniuk, editor Scott Allie, artist David Mack, artist Cameron Stewart, and colorist Dave Stewart.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hall C The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and Beyond

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola returns to Emerald City Comicon! With recent launches like Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. andFrankenstein Underground, there’s never been more ways to get into Mignola’s world. Join Mignola for news on Hellboy in Hell and a Q&A with some of the writers and artists who help him bring his characters to life—Max Fiumara, Scott Allie, Dave Stewart, and Tyler Crook.